Program Overview

Educational Leadership (MA)

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership is a program designed for professional educators looking to become school administrators or prepare for an advanced degree in education. This program is fully online and taught in the evenings, allowing students to continue working while preparing for their next career move.

Program Overview

The program aims to provide students with the credentials and confidence to advance their careers and improve student outcomes. It starts with a foundation in management, community relations, curriculum supervision, and instructional assessment. Depending on career goals, students can further refine their degree with one of three emphasis areas: charter school leadership, supervision, and special education supervision.

Program Details

• Degree Type: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Format: Online
• Credit Hours: 30 - 36 Credit Hours
• The program qualifies students for the Michigan Administrator Certificate through the Michigan Department of Education, a requirement for state principals.

Why Earn a Master's in Educational Leadership?

This master's program is aimed at professional educators looking to become school administrators (certification option) or for individuals preparing for an advanced degree in education (thesis option). Students study topics like using research to lead school improvement, public school law, school and community relations, and curriculum supervision. They can choose from three emphasis areas to further refine their skills: charter school leadership, supervision, and special education supervision.

Highlights of the Master's in Educational Leadership Program

• Nationally Accredited Program: Accredited through The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
• Apply Credentials to Your Degree: Students may be eligible to transfer up to 15 credits for work they've already completed.
• Customize Your Degree: Choose one of three emphasis areas to fit career goals.
• Join a Network of Professional Educators: CMU confers 700 master's degrees in teaching every year, more than any other college in Michigan.

Master's in Educational Leadership Careers

Prepare for a leadership position in all educational settings: public, private, charter, and virtual. Career options include:

• Principal
• Elementary & Secondary School Administrator
• School Athletic Director

Projected salaries for these careers are:

• Principal: $104,070
• Elementary & Secondary School Administrator: $111,020
• School Athletic Director: $60,250

Advance with a Michigan Administrator Certification

Earning a master's in educational leadership qualifies students for the Elementary & Secondary (ES) K-12 Administrator Certification, required for Michigan principals and school administrators whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs.